Reforms Needed for Sustainable Fisheries

AUSTRALIA - An independent review into New South Wales commercial fisheries policy, management and administration has identified three key areas for focus.

The independent review team comprised of three experienced individuals Richard Stevens, Peter Neville and Ian Cartwright who have extensive expertise and background in both national and international fisheries management.

The reviewers conducted an appraisal of the current policy, management and administrative frameworks within the NSW commercial fisheries sector and prepared a report.

Three key reform activities outlined are:

A comprehensive structural adjustment programme, to address the problems of excess and poorly defined fishing rights if the original vision for shared managed fisheries is to be realiased.

Governance processes to be reformed to achieve a proper balance of responsibilities and accountabilities within Government and industry to restore confidence in decision making, and;

Consultation be reformed to provide for effective processes and structures to facilitate co-ordinated advice, communication and feedback between Government and industry.